WAXAHACHIE, Texas — A Waxahachie man was convicted of assault after prosecutors said he aggressively confronted a woman over her driving and later assaulted her inside a Dollar General store, according to the Ellis County and District Attorney's Office.
Officials said a jury found 63-year-old James Gregory Long guilty of Assault Causing Bodily Injury following a two-day trial held April 14-15, 2026.
According to evidence presented during trial, Long confronted the victim in the parking lot of a Dollar General regarding her driving behavior.
Prosecutors said the victim repeatedly attempted to disengage from the confrontation, but Long allegedly blocked her path once inside the store and spat in her face.
The victim then struck Long, according to testimony, and Long responded by repeatedly hitting the victim, causing pain and injuries.
Defense attorneys argued Long acted in self-defense, but jurors rejected that claim and returned a guilty verdict.
The case was prosecuted by Joshua Atilano and Valerie Berger.
Following the verdict, both sides agreed to a punishment recommendation that included:
- 24 months probation
- 30 days in jail as a condition of probation
- Completion of the “Thinking for a Change” program, a behavioral intervention program focused on impulsivity, aggression, and antisocial behavior
Atilano said in a statement, “Self-defense is a sacred right in Texas, and the jury’s swift verdict made one thing clear: provoking a confrontation does not justify assaulting another person.”
The district attorney’s office also thanked the Waxahachie Police Department and jurors involved in the case.
